Majestic Rolling Hills Around the Villages

October 12, 2014 Posted by HATS Visitors

The blog today is coming to you through the experiences of Gary. What a wonderful adventure it has been! Time is passing so quickly and the team only has two full days left. It seems only like yesterday that we arrived. We have been so blessed and honored to be at this mission in HATS.

Today was an early start as usual. Some members of the team went for an early walk with the older children and others continued to prepare the job site for the team’s project. The number of benches in the church has increased by twelve and they have been placed in the church for tomorrows’ worship services.

Church Bench Delivery

Ready for Church

Some of the team visited Radio Creole today. The station is owned by Luckner, the school principal and he permitted some of the HATS children to come and view a special soccer match between Brazil and Argentina on his studio television. Such an invitation is a treat because most homes do not have a television signal and having such modern technology is considered a luxury.

Luckner

Radio Creole

A message from Cathy today:

The ladies were treated to a visit to the town market in Verrettes today. How Karen can maneuver her truck around the paths and alley ways, dodging horses, donkeys and motorbikes is amazing! Staying very close together for security, we wandered the market just as the locals do. The sights, smells and atmosphere cannot be portrayed in pictures. They can buy just about anything in the open market, from fresh goats heads, to freshly slaughtered chicken (with feathers and all), to piles of charcoal. And as you will see from the picture below, there is a parking lot in the back for their horses. Thank you again to Karen for sharing that experience with us.

Market

Market valet parking

We also had a visit from two ladies who made homemade crafts. The workmanship was immaculate as expected, displaying the pride and talent that Haitians have in both their country and abilities.

Craft lady and Cathy

One feature that I was not expecting was the beautiful landscape which surrounds this vast country. The hills roll majestically around the villages capitulated by large towers of stately greenery. These settings only enhance the beauty of the Haitian people.

Lush landscape

HATS backyard

Needless to say the food has been exquisite. We have been so blessed with the expertise of Germaine, our team cook. She has made the transition from our home land so much more pleasant.

Germaine and veggies

Fritay

I ask that you continue to pray for the team and all those associated with this beautiful ministry. Remember the greatest command which was given by Christ was to share his love with the whole world. We continue to live in Christ’s faith to help make his world a better place. God Bless!

~Gary

About HATS Visitors

HATS – Haiti encourages individuals and work teams to travel to Haiti to be a part of the work we are doing. Those who come to Haiti are given the opportunity to join in construction projects, visit in the local community, spend time with the children, and minister in church. You can help us in our work for the most needy and most vulnerable members of Haiti’s population. Come be transformed by seeing the need and being a part of meeting that need. Be part of the story

Archive by Month

Testimonials

One thing that has impacted me on this trip is seeing the children and all the dedication in this orphanage. There is so much going on behind the scenes to keep the HATS orphanage and school running.

Donna Wheeler
HATS Visitor
I’m not sure what we’re doing here, just showing up for a week – it’s not like it’s sustainable. And I don’t want to become depressed by some of the harsh realities that Karen has to deal with every day. You know it’s ONE thing to start an orphanage and school (Yes, Karen has done things that are beeeeyond me), but it’s ANOTHER thing to raise the 20 babies that become YOUR kids!!! Not only are they a big family, but they are a big family containing individual stories that got them all to where they are in the orphanage. I don’t even know how to describe it…I have never seen a woman her age with this much energy…fun loving energy that is. She so inspired me today and really is a wonderful mother to all these children.

Barbara
HATS Visitor
Amazing organization! Had the pleasure of visiting twice, and can’t wait to go back again someday. God is doing some wonderful things at HATS!

Jess MacDonald
HATS Visitor
Such important work done with LOVE and commitment!

Dana Wight Kayal
HATS Supporter
I have absolutely loved the Haitian people and Haiti the three times I have been there. I go to bless them, only to be blessed myself!

Yvette Calderwood
HATS Visitor
It’s going to be impossible to put my thoughts into words about this experience, so I’d say this – if you can get here – do. I think most people probably think they’re coming to help others. To some extent, that’s true (at least this temporary blogger thought so). To a larger extent, you’ll leave Haiti a better person than when you arrived. Nelson Mandela once said something like “Everywhere I go, I wear you”. It means that none of us is our own person entirely. Rather, we’re the culmination of the people and experiences we have had. I leave Haiti wearing 16 HATS children, 10(ish) Haitian staff members, a Calgarian, 2 Winnipegian’s, and a Newfie. And I couldn’t be happier about it. Until we meet again my friends.

Rick
HATS Visitor
A huge thank you to aunt Karen, who always seems to be doing something with her children and the HATS mission. The only time she takes for herself is long enough to spread some almond butter on a banana that she eats on the run. Thank you so much for all your hard work and unwavering dedication. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others. We love you and our Haitian family very much. The longer I spend at HATS, the bigger piece of my heart remains. Take care of yourself and our kiddies until we see each other again.

Jocelyn Barnes
HATS Visitor
This is my first time traveling outside of Canada and I am proud to say it was for a mission trip. I have always wanted to go on one and see what it like in other parts of the world and do what I can to help out. Haiti is a terminus life change for me and how I look at things. Seeing these kids and how they have such a passion for each other and for us is truly inspiring. I look back to what I was like at that age and I don’t think I was half as kind or generous as they are. This morning we did devotions and as I was speaking about what an impact they had on me only in one day I started to tear up…it was very emotional to talk about.

Isaiah Henderson
HATS Visitor
After years of thinking about it and months of planning for it, it seems strange that our time in Haiti is over. We have been asked by a few if it was like we expected. Well, no. I’m not sure what we expected, but our minds could not have fathomed what we have experienced, and we can hardly believe that our 3 month stay has come to an end. HATS really became home away from home for us. We knew we would enjoy getting to know and spending time with the kids but we had no idea how difficult it would be to leave them. They sneak in and steal your heart without you even knowing it. We have left a piece of our hearts in Haiti and can’t wait for the day when we can return.

Mike & Nicki White
HATS Visitors
Personally, this is my first time here. I’ve never done a mission trip of any sort before and I’ve certainly never been anywhere this hot before. I keep seeing things that are different from what I’m used to, and hearing about things even more unfamiliar to me. One of the most surprising things to meis how quickly I’ve grown to love all the people here. Everyone here is great, and the team is wonderful too. Watching everyone support each other warms my heart almost as much as the sun warms my skin. I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and I know that this trip has already had a profound impact on my life.

Matthew Sketchley
HATS Visitor